John Baker, after two and a half years as President of the Board of St Vincent de Paul, welcomed Tammy Pottorff as his last official duty on September 30.

John was elected President of the Board in May of 2005 and immediately began a journey of guiding the recovery of St. Vincent de Paul's Santa Clara County Council. Much of John's term was spent meeting with donors, directors of foundations, San Jose City Officials, and officials of the San Jose Diocese, including Bishop McGrath and Monsignor Fran Cilia, on behalf of the Society. In addition to his functions as President of the Board and Council, heal so functioned as the Council's Executive Director. All in a volunteer capacity!

The Council is now financially healthy after financial difficulty two years ago and looks to a future directed towards meeting the various needs of the Conferences including formation and training through the Ozanam school, assisting Conference clients with programs such as Bonnets and Baskets and the Back-pack drive, twinning when requested, and other forms of support.

John's calm presence and thoughtful guidance has been a welcome addition to the Board. John will stay with the Board as a member for several months to assist Tammy Pottorff as she begins her term as President. John will also continue his ministry at the local level through the St. Mary's Conference in Los Gatos.

John is a member of St. Mary's conference in Los Gatos and will continue his ministry at the local level.